Six File Explorer tips every Windows user should know

File Explorer is one of the most frequently used tools in Windows, yet most people only use its basic features. It can help you navigate folders faster, organize files more efficiently, preview content without opening it, and view more file details. Here are some of the best File Explorer features to help you get more out of Windows.

Keep Multiple Folders Open With Tabs

When working with files stored across multiple folders, most of us open several File Explorer windows to keep everything accessible. A much better approach is to use tabs in File Explorer. They let you keep multiple folders open within a single window, making it easy to switch between locations without filling your desktop.

To open a new tab, press Ctrl + T or click the "+" button at the top of File Explorer. You can also middle-click a folder to open it in a new tab. When you're done with a tab, press Ctrl + W to close it.

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Using tabs makes it much easier to move files between folders, compare contents, and work across multiple locations.

Preview Files Without Opening Them

When you're looking for a specific image, PDF, or other file among hundreds of files, opening each one individually can be slow and frustrating. Instead, you can use the Preview Pane, which lets you view the contents of supported files without opening them in their associated apps. This makes it much easier to identify the file you're looking for.

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To enable it, open File Explorer, click View > Preview Pane. Once enabled, a checkmark will appear next to the Preview pane, and a preview panel will open on the right side of the window.

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Now, simply select a supported file, and its contents will appear instantly in the preview pane. You can now quickly move through different files until you find the one you need.

Jump to Folders, Drives, and Locations Using the Address Bar

By default, the File Explorer address bar simply shows the path to your current folder, and most people only use it to copy folder locations. However, it can also be used as a quick navigation tool. By typing a simple command, you can jump directly to special Windows folders without browsing through multiple directories.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

How do I open and close tabs in File Explorer to keep multiple folders in one window?

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What address bar shell commands can I use to jump directly to system folders like Startup or Downloads?

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Question #3

How do I use File Explorer's advanced search filters to find files by type, extension, or date?

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How do I pin and unpin folders to Quick Access so my frequently used folders are always available?

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For example, if you want to open the Startup folder to manage startup apps, simply type "shell:startup" in the address bar and press Enter. Likewise, typing "shell:Downloads" takes you straight to the Downloads folder. There are many other commands you can use to quickly access system folders, drives, and network locations.

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Learning a few of these shortcuts can save you time and spare you from manually digging through folders every time you need to reach a specific location.

Find Files Faster With Advanced Search

While the Preview pane makes it easier to identify files, scrolling through hundreds of them can still take time. And although the address bar helps you jump to specific folders, it isn't designed for finding files. That's where File Explorer's advanced search filters come in. They let you narrow down your search by file type, extension, date, and other properties.

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For example, typing "kind: document" shows only document files. If you're looking for a PDF, enter "ext:.pdf" to display only files with the .pdf extension. Likewise, if you remember when a file was created or modified, you can type "date: this month" to show files from the current month. With these search filters, you can narrow down and find files in large folders.

Pin Frequently Used Folders

If there are folders you open almost every day, repeatedly searching for or navigating to them can waste time. Instead, you can pin them to File Explorer's Quick Access, so they're always just a click away, no matter where they're actually stored. To pin a folder, locate it in File Explorer, right-click it, and select "Pin to Quick Access."

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The folder will then appear in Home, giving you quick access whenever you open File Explorer. If you no longer need quick access to a folder, simply right-click it in the Home section and select "Unpin From Quick Access." Pinning your most-used folders reduces unnecessary navigation and helps you get to important files much faster.

Customize Columns to See More File Details

By default, File Explorer displays only a few details, such as a file's name, date modified, and size. However, you can customize the columns to show additional information like date created, authors, tags, and many other properties. This makes it easier to sort, organize, and locate files based on the information that matters to you.

First, make sure the folder is using Details view by selecting View > Details. Then, right-click any column header and choose the properties you want to display.

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Instead of enabling every available column, choose only the ones that are useful for your workflow.

While File Explorer is already useful out of the box, the tips above can make it even more efficient. From navigating folders faster to finding files in seconds, these features can save you time every day. If you've never tried them before, give them a try - you'll likely notice a smoother workflow and spend less time searching for the files and folders you need.